Hollywood Writers’ Strike Enters 150th Day, Actors Join, Studios Lose Millions
The Hollywood writers’ strike has now entered its 150th day as actors join the picket lines in solidarity. Thousands of screenwriters took to the streets on May 2 after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) failed to reach a new contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the trade association representing major studios and streaming services such as Disney and Netflix.
Although a tentative agreement has been reached, it is not a guarantee that the strike will end. Union members must agree to the terms and formally vote to bring the walkout to a close. Meanwhile, Hollywood actors will continue their strike, which began in July, until the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiates a deal with the studios.
Both the writers and actors are unified in their demands, which include higher base compensation, a larger share of project royalties (residuals), and stronger protections against the use of artificial intelligence in the industry.
The strikes have had a profound impact on the film and television business, resulting in significant job losses and halting production for most scripted entertainment, including big-budget movies, late-night talk shows, and streaming series. Many industry professionals, including writers, actors, and crew members, have spoken about the financial hardships they have faced due to the industry shutdown.
The studios themselves have not been immune to the strikes’ effects. Warner Bros. Discovery, for instance, disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing this month that it anticipates a negative impact of up to $500 million as a result of the dual strikes.
These strikes are taking place during a period of significant upheaval in Hollywood. The industry is grappling with how to navigate the digital era, handle the decline of traditional broadcast viewership, and adapt to the rise of AI technologies, which have raised concerns about the future of creative professions.
The last time WGA members went on strike was in November 2007, lasting 100 days and causing major disruptions in Hollywood’s content production. The longest strike in WGA history occurred in 1988 and lasted 154 days.
As negotiations between the WGA and the studios continue, the industry and its stakeholders eagerly await a resolution that addresses the demands of both writers and actors.
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